Ashes to Ashes: America's Hundred-Year Cigarette War, the Public Health, and the Unabashed Triumph of Philip Morris Study Guide

At the turn of the century, humankind has shown that, for all wonders it has achieved, it still has the curious tendency to create and cling to the 'bad' as well. A case in point is smoking. Americans alone die at the rate of approximately half a million per year from cigarette related illnesses. Recent history reveals, just fifty years ago, half the adult American population smoked. Cigarettes are seen as society's crutch to keep moving in a more stress-filled world. It is relatively cheap and convenient. There is a sensual nature to smoking: touch, feel, taste, smell. For the young, smoking represents defiance. For the mature, the dangers of smoking can be rationalized. Smoking is profitable for farmers and manufacturers. Until recently, it was also popular. Is smoking a free choice or a deception put on by the huge tobacco companies? (read more)